'We’re a complete mess' - Sheffield Wednesday fans react to Liam Shaw's Celtic move

News of the 19-year-old’s proposed move north of the border at the end of his contract in July broke shortly after he had played in his boyhood club’s disappointing 1-0 defeat at Stoke City last night.

Owls caretaker manager Neil Thompson remained tight-lipped about Shaw’s departure when asked about the situation in his post-match press conference, simply saying ‘whatever will be, will be’ and that the club would ‘address it as we go along’.

But Celtic boss Neil Lennon was later quoted in the Daily Record that his club would be signing the teenager, who has come through the ranks at Hillsborough and been a standout performer this season as Wednesday battle to beat the drop to League One.

“We’ve completed a deal for Liam Shaw, he’s signed a pre-contract. So, that’s done and we’re looking ahead,” said Lennon.

However, Shaw’s pending exit has provoked a strong reaction from Wednesdayites on social media – with some supporters firmly placing the blame at the hands of the club and owner Dejphon Chansiri and others calling for the young midfielder to be dropped from the first-team squad.

Writing on our Owls Facebook page, Stef Green said: “Can’t blame him can you really? Guaranteed wage and potential for some European football every year! Don’t play him again this season now though he’s made his choice.”

It was a view shared by Facebook follower Dan Mclean, who wrote: “Unfortunately cannot blame him for wanting the move, good luck to him.

"But he should take no further part in Sheffield Wednesday’s relegation battle. Need men in the trenches fighting for each other, and he has decided his future to be away from the club. Reserve team football until July.”

Jamie Cashin was even more scathing in relation to Shaw pulling on a blue and white shirt again.

“No loyalty levels like your Steven Gerrards anymore,” he posted on Facebook. “He can talk all he wants about his boyhood team, he doesn’t want to be here so get rid and leave him out of the side now.”

But Ashley Smith believes Shaw should still be picked to play for the team before he quits for Parkhead.

"Celtic aren't brill but they have European football every year even if its qualifiers,” he posted on Facebook. “You can’t blame the kid. As long as he give 100 per cent while he’s still playing, good luck to him.”

And April Ogden lays the blame at the club’s door for allowing him to leave, saying: “Another one we let go!! Should have given him a contract before now.”

On Twitter, Wednesdayites were equally divided over Shaw’s move.

Ben Woodcock tweeted: “I’m a die hard Wednesday fan, I’ve gone home and away since 2008 and if Celtic came in for me with Wednesday in the state they’re in I’d be off. Anyone who says differently are kidding or daft.”

And a post shared by @swfcsc called on Wednesday fans to refrain from abusing the midfielder.

“If you're on Twitter tonight abusing a young professional for furthering his career instead of staying at a club that's stagnating around him - have a look at yourselves and give your heads a wobble. Well done @LiamShawww.”

Jim Capel also tweeted: “I’m genuinely gutted about Liam Shaw. Another top drawer academy graduate going.”

And @LetchworthOwl was also among a number of supporters critical of the club’s handling of players’ contracts, tweeting: “So Shaw is off...thing I don't get is why players around the first team squad weren't offered extensions at start of the season....the likes of Shaw, Osaze and Hunt showed potential last season and should have been signed up for an extra year minimum.”

Jimmy Moldone echoed those sentiments as well, writing on Twitter: “Gutted that Shaw is leaving but can’t blame him at all. A move to a massive club, on decent wages.

"Or stay at our shambles of a club where he may or may not get paid at all. We’re a complete mess and Chansiri cannot leave soon enough.”

But other Twitter users felt Shaw should be frozen out of the first team squad now.

Jake Harrison tweeted: “Don’t blame Shaw for leaving, but he surely can’t be in the first team now? Better off trying another youngster.”

And James Parkin was more forthright, posting: “I don’t wish any player well that leaves. No loyalty in football anymore from both sides of it. At any level.”

Meanwhile, Daniel Jones tweeted: “Shaw would never pull that shirt on for me ever again. He would be in under 18s until he gets his move and I can’t wait for him to end up like (Sean) Clare and (George) Hirst in 12 months.”

And finally, Reece Dickinson believes Wednesday should simply let him leave for the Scottish giants immediately.

"Release him early and let him go now,” he tweeted.

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